Understanding Maintained Status: What It Means for Onshore Students in Canada

Are you an international student looking to extend your study permit in Canada? Understanding maintained status (formerly known as implied status) is essential for staying compliant with IRCC regulations. If your current permit is nearing its expiry date, you may be wondering how to legally stay, study, and work in Canada while waiting for a decision on your study permit extension application. At ApplyBoard, we've created this guide to help you navigate the transition smoothly, ensuring your legal status remains protected while you continue your academic journey.

What is Maintained Status?

If you submit an application to extend or change your study permit before your current permit expires, having maintained status means that  you can legally stay in Canada while waiting for a decision from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) about your original permit. Ultimately, this means you won’t lose your right to study or remain in Canada during the processing period, as long as you stay inside Canada.

For example, if your study permit is about to expire and you apply for an extension on time, you are allowed to keep attending classes until IRCC finishes processing your new application—even if your old permit expires while you wait for the decision.​

Key Conditions for Maintaining Maintained Status

• You must submit your study permit extension or visa change application before your current study permit expires.
• You need to remain physically in Canada while your application is being processed.
• If you leave Canada while on maintained status, you may lose this status and must wait for approval before you can re-enter Canada and resume studying.​
• If you miss the deadline and apply late, or apply from outside of Canada, you won’t have maintained status and could lose your legal status. (If this happens, you may apply for restoration of your student status, but that's a separate procedure.)

What Can You Do While on Maintained Status?

If you qualify for maintained status, you can continue your studies without interruption. However, the other permitted activities depend on what kind of permit you currently hold and what the next permit or visa you have applied for is. For students, this usually means you can keep attending classes and studying while waiting for the decision.

Why Is Maintained Status Important?

This status gives you peace of mind. You don’t have to stop your education or worry about leaving Canada abruptly while your study permit extension or visa change is processed. It’s a crucial safety net that protects your right to stay in Canada legally.​​

Tips to Maintain Your Status Safely 

• Always apply to extend or change your study permit well before it expires—ideally three to four months in advance.
• Keep copies of all documents you submit to IRCC.
• Avoid leaving Canada while on maintained status.
• Stay informed about rule changes by checking official sources like the Government of Canada's website. Canada updated many international student rules in 2024 and 2025.
• When in doubt, check in with your academic institution’s international student office or a trusted immigration advisor.

Maintained status is a vital part of your journey as an international student in Canada. By applying on time and staying compliant with IRCC requirements, you can continue your education smoothly while your application is processed. Keep your paperwork organized, stay inside Canada, and lean on resources like ApplyBoard and your school for support. With the right steps, you’ll keep your Canadian study adventure on track!